Loading...
A tangy and flavorful South Indian curry made with black-eyed peas simmered in a tamarind-based gravy. This traditional Tamil dish is the perfect comfort food when served with hot steamed rice and a side of appalam.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Beans and Tamarind: Wash and soak the karamani (black-eyed peas) in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Drain the water and pressure cook the beans with 2 cups of fresh water for 3-4 whistles until soft but not mushy. Keep aside. Soak the tamarind in 1.5 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. Squeeze well to extract the juice and discard the pulp.
Make the Kuzhambu Base: Heat gingelly oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter completely. Then add urad dal and fenugreek seeds, and fry until the dal turns light golden. Add the curry leaves and asafoetida. Be careful as they will splutter. Add the sambar onions and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and mushy.
Add Spices and Simmer: Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and red chili powder (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in the tamarind extract and add salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the raw smell of the tamarind to disappear. Add the cooked karamani along with its cooking water. Add the powdered jaggery and an additional 1-2 cups of water to adjust the consistency. Mix well and let the kuzhambu simmer on low-medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve: Turn off the heat. Let the kuzhambu rest for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve hot with steamed rice, papad, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.
A tangy and flavorful South Indian curry made with black-eyed peas simmered in a tamarind-based gravy. This traditional Tamil dish is the perfect comfort food when served with hot steamed rice and a side of appalam.
This south_indian recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 211.7 calories per serving with 6.02g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Discover authentic recipes from cuisines around the world.
Find recipes that fit your dietary preferences.
Find recipes optimized for your goal.
Skip the onion and garlic. Increase the asafoetida to 1/2 teaspoon and add chopped raw banana or cabbage for texture.
Use one 15-ounce can of black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained) to skip the soaking and pressure cooking time. Add them directly in step 3.
Reduce the oil to 1.5 tablespoons and add more vegetables like spinach or drumsticks to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Add 1/2 cup of cubed firm tofu or paneer along with the cooked beans during the final simmering stage for an extra protein boost.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals

A warm, savory breakfast dish made from roasted semolina and simple spices. This quick, comforting, and classic South Indian tiffin item is soft, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

A fiery and tangy Mangalorean crab curry made with a freshly ground coconut and roasted spice masala. This coastal Karnataka specialty bursts with flavor and is best enjoyed with steamed rice or neer dosa.

A classic Mangalorean curry featuring earthy mushrooms in a rich, tangy gravy made from roasted spices and fresh coconut. This flavorful dish, known as 'Anabe Gashi', pairs perfectly with steamed rice or neer dosa for a comforting South Indian meal.

A traditional Konkani curry made with tender raw jackfruit simmered in a fragrant, tangy coconut masala. This authentic dish from the Mangalorean coast offers a unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, perfect with steamed rice.